 Part of the Happily Ever Alpha worldIf you've read any of Aurora Rose Reynolds "Until" books then you know they always have a hot alpha male, and are really fun to read. With Boom Factory Publishing, she's expanded her universe to have other authors write standalone, but connecting in some way or another (either location or previous characters) romances in the same universe. This is a great idea - building off of her success while at the same time spotlighting different writers. It also gives fans little snippets of the stories they love from the Until series - great marketing and everybody wins. I was excited to dive into this universe again with Until Sadie, by new-to-me author Sarah Curtis. Curtis didn't disappoint. This book had the same fun, romancy elements as other books in the Happily Ever Alpha world, with a sexy alpha male in the form of Dean. It also had the boom factor - if you've read any books in this world than you know the idea of boom - getting hit with insta-love when you find your significant other - and just knowing that she is the one. Such a sweet concept. When Dean meets Sadie, he is struck hard and he just knows that he has to make her his. Unfortunately, his life is a bit complicated at the moment and he doesn't want to lose Sadie while he is waiting for things to calm down. He wasn't expecting to get hit by Cupid's arrow, it just sort of happened - and at an inconvenient time. For Sadie's part she is fine to take things slow. But when she does find herself falling hard for Dean, will she be able to handle his secrets? When all is revealed, will their boom factor stand up to the hit? I liked Dean and Sadie's romance and I liked how possessive, jealous and all around alpha-like Dean is. I mean what woman doesn't want an alpha male - even if they can be a bit growly at times. Sadie is a sweet character and easy to like, but she wasn't so good that she got on my nerves - which is a definite plus. The two of them together was a joy to read and I was rooting for them to make it. If you like swoony heroes who fall hard, and romantic stories with a bit of suspense, you'll like this book. You can read it on its own - although it does mention some characters that we have met in other books. I think this just made me want to go and read the series again, and find any books that I might have missed. Until Sadie is a great addition to the Happily Ever Alpha world, and it also made me want to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, Boom Factory Publishing, and GiveMeBooksPR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.  RELEASE BLITZ Title: Until Sadie A Happily Ever Alpha World Novel Author: Sarah Curtis Publisher: Boom Factory Publishing, LLC Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: January 15, 2021 BLURB Cruising Pacific Coast Highway, Dean Keller had one thing on his mind—the job he needed to nail down. New city. New connections. New life. That was Dean’s focus. Until Sadie. One look at the fiery pixie with emerald eyes and Dean knew he had to make her his. The timing couldn’t be worse. Things were… complicated. Dean should’ve walked away from her. He didn’t. Couldn’t. But he should have. Because too soon the truth would be revealed. And Dean would be left desperate to prove to Sadie his love for her was real. Even if not everything else was. Until Sadie is part of the Aurora Rose Reynolds' Happily Ever Alpha World. If you loved Until Cobi, then you will want to read Until Sadie. GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54894339-until-sadie PURCHASE LINKS US: https://amzn.to/35jeaEN UK: https://amzn.to/35mcGcW CA: https://amzn.to/3s4RqSH AU: http://amzn.to/3pWEuwv Free in Kindle Unlimited AUTHOR BIO I write steamy contemporary romance novels about sexy alpha males and the heroines who steal their hearts. On a personal note, I'm addicted to coffee, Red Bull, Lay's potato chips, and my Kindle. When I'm not writing—which is hardly ever, hence the addiction to coffee and Red Bull—I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and watching football—Go Pack Go! AUTHOR LINKS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahcurtisauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahcurtisauthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahcurtisathr Website: https://sarahcurtisauthor.wixsite.com/sarahcurtisauthor ABOUT BOOM FACTORY PUBLISHING Aurora Rose Reynolds and her husband, Sedaka Reynolds, created Boom Factory Publishing to use their experiences to expand and promote upcoming and existing indie authors. With over five years in the industry, and millions of books sold worldwide, we know what it takes to become a successful author and we will use this knowledge to take our authors to the next level. “As a successful hybrid author in this ever evolving industry, I know that you’re only as successful as the team that is promoting you!” – Aurora Rose Reynolds BOOM FACTORY LINKS Website: https://boomfactorypublishing.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boomfactorypublishing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boomfactorypub Twitter: https://twitter.com/boomfactorypub 
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 All I can say is...this is a really good bookOff the Cuff by K.I. Lynn is a funny, enemies-to-lovers workplace romance that evolves from immature bickering to very real feelings, and captures the reader's heart in the process. We meet single mom Roe, who on a very bad day runs into executive Thane and spills coffee on him. Turns out Thane is having a very bad day as well - it is not a "meet cute" in the slightest. In a petty move to teach Roe a lesson, Thane throws his weight around and steals Roe from the marketing department to act as his assistant. The two commence an epic clash of wills that in reality would have HR coming down hard on them. But never mind that - it was fun to read their verbal sparring, a lot of which stems from the fact that they are very much attracted to each other. Soon, Thane finds himself wanting Roe, and not just for a quickie in his office. Roe however is afraid - if she tells Thane about her daughter - she knows that he will be gone in a flash. One of the best things about this book was the dual perspective. Thank goodness we get to see what's going on with Thane and where his attitude comes from. If we only saw him from Roe's biased perspective, there's no way he would become our new book boyfriend - and honey, trust me, you want him as your new book boyfriend. Roe is feisty and she's strong, dealing with far too much on her plate. She finds it difficult to trust people, and especially Thane. Watching him break down her walls is really rewarding. This book is funny and sexy, but it also touches on very real, serious topics. It is well balanced and makes for a truly spectacular read. I need to go stalk the author now and find her other work because there's no way that Off the Cuff was a one-off. Off the Cuff is live now - and don't wait a second before downloading this one. Thank you to the author and to Give Me Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.  RELEASE BLITZ
Title: Off the Cuff Author: K.I. Lynn Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: January 11, 2021 BLURB I spilled a cup of coffee on the President of Acquisitions. He deserved it. Not the brightest idea, but I’d had a bad day, and now he’s getting back at me. For nine weeks I’m to be his assistant, and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s punishment. Every moment we’re near each other it’s a constant battle of wills, but I refuse to go down. If only he wasn’t so good looking. If only my fantasies didn’t invade our arguments. Everything is off the cuff, including him pinning me to the wall. Now he wants something else from me. A date. There’s just one problem--he doesn’t know I have a child. GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55609424-off-the-cuff PURCHASE LINKS US: https://amzn.to/3hCjVTd UK: https://amzn.to/387EX8W CA: https://amzn.to/3pMf2tC AU: https://amzn.to/3baEMMh Only available at the following retailers for a VERY limited time B&N: https://bit.ly/2X46Cl7 Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Jt8TmA Apple Books: http://apple.co/34PGAq2 Also available in paperback: https://amzn.to/38HBUU3 EXCERPT When I got to the break room, I let out a whine at the empty pot sitting on the burner. Why didn’t the person who took the last cup make a new pot? We were all coffee addicts; it wasn’t like it was going to go to waste. As I prepared a new pot, another yawn moved through me. I prayed that sleep would fill my night. I leaned over the counter of the break room, watching the pot of coffee slowly fill. The smell of the fresh brew lifted my spirits, and it helped me knowing soon I’d have a delicious cup in hand that would help me get through the next few hours. “Are you okay, Roe?” January asked. I blew out a breath and turned to her. “It’s the worst case of the Mondays. Please tell me it will get better. Lie if you have to.” “Oh, sweetie.” Her gaze moved down my shirt. “It will get better. Stay here. I’ll be right back.” Before I could ask or have her just meet me at my desk, she was gone. My eyes drooped for a second, heavy as afternoon drowsiness hit and combined with my already tired state. After ten months of caring for my baby niece, you’d think I’d have the perpetual lack of sleep down to an art form, but alas, it wasn’t so. There was no such thing as getting used to operating on just a few broken hours of sleep. A quick intake of breath and some blinks shook me awake, at least for a moment. While I spaced out, the dripping of the coffee subsided and I poured a cup. The smell was divine, and I pulled a container from the fridge. I loved to mix in some premade cold mocha to cool it down faster and make it even yummier. I took a sip of my coffee, a moan leaving me. Perfect. In my tuned-out state, I wasn’t aware there was someone behind me. As I turned, my elbow caught his outstretched arm. The jostle sent a wave of coffee over the lip of the mug. Hot, dark liquid splashed across my hand and the clothing covering the person behind me. My eyes were wide as my body bowed back to avoid more of it landing on me, my hand stinging from the warmth. Thankfully the mocha had cooled it down some. “Oh, crap. I am so sorry!” My shit day that was having a brighter moment just got even worse. “Fucking incompetent twit!” he spat as he grabbed for some paper towels. My mouth dropped open. “I am so sorry,” I apologized again, my brain stuck in blame-taking mode even though his words were grating on me. It could also be partially blamed on the hotness towering over me. The man before me with his whip of a tongue was just as lashing with his looks. I’d seen him around before. Who wouldn’t have noticed that razor line of a jaw, stunning blue eyes, dark hair, or his perfect body in a suit that had to be custom made? He may have starred in a fantasy or two of mine, but that was to be expected with a man like him. My gaze caught on the flicker of his black cuff links as they glimmered with each swipe of his hand. They struck me as odd and off brand from what little personality I’d built up in my head. “Sorry doesn’t fix this,” he growled at me. He was pissed, and for some reason, that was funny to me. Of course Mr. Too-Sexy-For-His-Suit had a bad attitude. It was an accident. If he’d done something as simple as alerting me to his presence behind me, it wouldn’t have happened. Past his looks, I knew who he was in name only, but our encounter showed me that it was more than enough. “It was an accident. If anyone is at fault, it’s you for sneaking up on me.” He glared down at me, taking in my stained shirt, and tsked. “You are incompetent,” he sneered as he brushed a wet paper towel against his shirt. Incompetent? The word repeated in my mind as I stared at him. The day had been long, the challenges hard, and I had battle scars in the form of the discoloration of my shirt to prove it. The vein on my forehead throbbed, and the anger that simmered under my frustration of the day boiled over. I’d had a shit day, and he was the icing on that cake. Icing I didn’t want. I already had formula, mustard, and coffee. Fuck. Him. I narrowed my gaze at him before extending my arm and tipping my cup, splashing another dark stain onto the very expensive, fitted suit he filled out so well. “Oops.” I smiled, watching the brown soak into the white of his dress shirt before heading to the doorway where January was standing, a detergent pen in her hand, jaw dropped as she witnessed what just happened. “Thanks,” I said as I snatched the pen from her, ignoring the death glare being burned into the back of my head. Well, my day didn’t get better, but I sure felt better after that. AUTHOR BIO K.I. Lynn is the USA Today Bestselling Author from The Bend Anthology and the Amazon Bestselling Series, Breach. She spent her life in the arts, everything from music to painting and ceramics, then to writing. Characters have always run around in her head, acting out their stories, but it wasn’t until later in life she would put them to pen. It would turn out to be the one thing she was really passionate about. Since she began posting stories online, she’s garnered acclaim for her diverse stories and hard hitting writing style. Two stories and characters are never the same, her brain moving through different ideas faster than she can write them down as it also plots its quest for world domination…or cheese. Whichever is easier to obtain… Usually it’s cheese. AUTHOR LINKS Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2ruu5Kt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kilynn.breach Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1446344115596744 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6553256.K_I_Lynn Goodreads Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/111737-honeybear-s-unite Twitter: https://twitter.com/KI_Lynn_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.i.lynn Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sIocO8 Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-i-lynn  This is not your fairy tale romanceA young girl is stolen from her home by three brothers seeking revenge on her father. They intend to use her against her father in order to get what they want. This doesn't sound like the plot of a romance novel - more like a byline in the local newspaper. Stolen, by Darcy Rose, the first in her Vow of Revenge trilogy, is labeled as a dark romance - and it is definitely that. It is a reverse harem story with reluctance and some taboo elements thrown in. Some might see Jessa as a victim, and the brothers who took her as villains - and they are that in the simplest sense. But the author does delve deeper into their feelings, their confusion, and their conflicted states so that the story really isn't all that simple at all. The story has several triggers and readers shouldn't take the warning in the book blurb lightly. If you are easily offended - stay away. But if you, like me, sometimes like a little taboo and sometimes like a novel to be filled with erotic and steamy scenes (the dirtier the better), then pick up this little black book. It is short and you'll finish it quickly - I actually couldn't put it down. I was captivated by Jessa's plight, but also by the brothers - we do see it a bit from their perspectives which was smart of the author. It humanized them and made the reader unsure of their villainous roles. I for one can't wait until the second book comes out. I was left intrigued, and more than a little turned on - if I'm being honest. Sure I could be embarrassed that I liked this trope but in the end, life is too short for that. Embrace your kinks ladies. Make 2021 the year of Why The Hell Not. Stolen releases today. Thank you to the author and to CandiKane PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.  STOLEN (Vow of Revenge #1) by Darcy Rose Release Date: January 8th Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56443214-stolen AVAILABLE NOW!! FREE in Kindle Unlimited! Amazon US: https://amzn.to/35dVJlb Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3pSAj4W Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/38jfvNU Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/35dMUYs Blurb: Three brothers out for revenge, out to avenge one man’s wrongdoings. He killed everyone we ever loved. He stole the world from us and nearly killed us in the process. So we waited, we watched… and then we took his most treasured possession, his princess, his one and only daughter. ***This is a DARK reverse harem romance. It contains mature adult theme including sexual themes that may not be suitable for all readers. If you’re sensitive to these types of things then please do not read this book. Contains only M/F action. Story was previously published under the title Their Captive*** About the Author: If you like your stories short, taboo and kinky, then a Darcy Rose book is perfect for you. She writes about shy and innocent heroines, to match them up with dark and intense heroes who have only eyes for one girl. Connect w/Darcy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darcyrosewrites Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14151459.Darcy_Rose Amazon: https://amzn.to/3s0E1uX Instagram: https://bit.ly/3hMd9u8 Newsletter Signup: https://bit.ly/3lhYI10  A second chance romance you really root forWhen you find the love of your life, but you lose them, can you ever really be happy? Or do you just exist day by day, your world devoid of colour? Ryker and Scarlet, the couple in Far Beyond Repair, A.K. Evans' third instalment of the Hearts and Horsepower series, would tell you that losing each other destroyed them and the people they were. Ryker and Scarlet loved each other as teenagers and were forced to separate. Ryker has spent the last 14 years miserable and unhappy, and Scarlet has been too terrified to let anyone in. When they are reunited, although there is pain and heartache, they also find a part of themselves that was long lost. This is the ultimate second chance romance and it has been simmering in our hearts since the first book of the series. Ryker's grumpy character has been paramount in making sure his friends end up with their girls - he doesn't allow them to make stubborn mistakes but encourages them to take the leap. It has always been alluded to that he has suffered a great heartache in his past. In Far Beyond Repair, we are finally privy to his secret love affair with Scarlet and the devastating day that he walked away and lost her. When they meet up again 14 years later, they still love each other - but will their love be strong enough to keep them together this time? I was so happy to finally read Ryker's romance. What I love about Evans' books is that her characters are real, stubborn and sometimes immature people. They are real and relatable. I can see myself in their shoes and having their arguments. The books in the Hearts and Horsepower series are emotional and really embrace the reader. This one was no different and I can't wait to read the next. Far Beyond Repair is a story you'll want to read again and again. It's live now and I encourage you to download it today. Thank you to the author and to Give me Books Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.  Title: Far Beyond Repair
Series: Hearts & Horsepower #3 Author: A.K. Evans Genre: Small-Town Contemporary Sports Romance Release Date: January 5, 2021 BLURB Scarlet Morgan knows all about happy endings. As a best-selling romance author, it’s her job to be an expert on the subject. It’s just too bad her own story doesn’t write so well. Ryker Holt can build a car from the ground up. While there isn’t much the highly-skilled mechanic can’t fix when it comes to his profession, it’s Ryker’s personal life that’s still in pieces. Scarlet thought she found forever in Ryker until, one day, he broke her heart and walked away. Years later, filled with regret, Ryker wants Scarlet back. But he’s worried the damage is already done, and what they had between them is far beyond repair. GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55229887-far-beyond-repair PURCHASE LINKS US: https://amzn.to/3iZwkiX UK: https://amzn.to/318Bpj0 CA: https://amzn.to/2FzEgKk AU: https://amzn.to/3189Mqf Free in Kindle Unlimited ALSO AVAILABLE #1 Control the Burn US: https://amzn.to/319gah3 UK: https://amzn.to/3nQ2lxI CA: https://amzn.to/2IwUepB AU: https://amzn.to/3lKXtrD Free in Kindle Unlimited #2 Behind the Wheel US: https://amzn.to/34WyFWZ UK: https://amzn.to/2IvIW4Z CA: https://amzn.to/3159Fvw AU: https://amzn.to/3nStRuk Free in Kindle Unlimited COMING SOON #4 How to Rebuild – Releasing January 19 US: https://amzn.to/33Yy9sn UK: https://amzn.to/3nUvtEa CA: https://amzn.to/2Fs1LVo AU: https://amzn.to/374gZLF Only available at the following retailers for a limited time B&N: https://bit.ly/2IwPmAT Kobo: https://bit.ly/34TgK3s Apple Books: https://apple.co/376Wmyo #5 Out of Alignment – Releasing February 2 US: https://amzn.to/2H2F0rC UK: https://amzn.to/379tA0a CA: https://amzn.to/33Y14wA AU: https://amzn.to/3lMfg1H Only available at the following retailers for a limited time B&N: https://bit.ly/314vdbS Kobo: https://bit.ly/3nQ6hOO Apple Books: https://apple.co/319llNM AUTHOR BIO A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over twenty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports. Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars! When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys. AUTHOR LINKS Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dmeo6z Website: https://www.authorakevans.com Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-k-evans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorAKEvans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorakevans Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorakevans Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/A.K.-Evans/e/B06XHJYYJN  A slow burn romance that deals with tough topicsI have never been an addict. I do know what it feels like to be drawn to something that's not good for you. However, I do not know the strength that it takes to turn away from temptation and to come out on the other side. In Tempted, the new standalone romance by Ava Harrison, we are taken into the world of Silver, a high end night club where the rich and powerful and attractive congregate to have fun, drink and occasionally do drugs. Bailey, a recovering drug addict, is at the end of her rope. She desperately needs money and so she takes a job at Silver even though she knows it is going to be full of temptations that could land her back where she was. Her boss, the club's owner, Drew, hires Bailey against his better judgement. A difficult memory in his past pushes him to want to help Bailey, and he has no choice but to bring her into his world. What neither of them realize is that the biggest temptation that they will face, is each other. This is not a cute and sappy romance. It deals with dark themes and may present triggers for some people who have dealt with addiction. Out of desperation, Bailey puts herself in a situation where she could fall victim to old habits. And Drew, even though he technically is responsible for Bailey being there, is set on saving her - despite the fact that should not be his role. He mixes his past and his present, bringing his previous failings into his relationship with Bailey, which proves to be a dangerous thing. The attraction between them is very real, but the potential consequences of them being together is more compelling. Do not read this book if you are after a quick solution to the characters' problems. The difficulties Drew and Bailey face are complex and there is a very slow lead up. The character development was well done, but I did find myself wishing for more during the first half of the book - more sizzle, more spark, more smoke, more scorching heat. Perhaps I have grown too used to insta-love romances. What I did like about Tempted was that I did get to know the characters separately. I did see into their world, and although I walked on eggshells and stood in the corner out of the way, I did keep watching, fascinated. I wanted to see where this, and they, would end up. Harrison brings you into the darkness of Drew and Bailey's world, and into the swirling lights of their relationship. You feel a bit dizzy at first, but you don't turn off the strobe lights. Read this book if you are after a dark, slow burn romance, and I think that you will come out better for it on the other side. Thank you to the author and to Grey's Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
US: https://amzn.to/34QPjYW WW: http://mybook.to/temptedah Goodreads: http://bit.ly/39lTA9N  A fantastic romance anthology for a great causeTop Shelf Romance has pulled together some of the best romance writers and put together a book filled with several happily ever afters, and I couldn't be happier. Not only do all the proceeds of this anthology go to The Live A Thousand Lives charity, but the stories, from names you've actually heard of, are really good. It's a feel good book, and each story will make you want to get further acquainted with its author. Some of the stories are short - little snippets of love where you catch just a glimpse of the characters. Others are longer and go more in depth. There's no wrong answer here and each one holds its charms. If you don't have very long to read, pick one of the shorter stories. If you're ready to curl up and settle in, they've got plenty of those to choose from as well. I also liked how there were meet cutes and flirtations, but also some where the romance was between say, a married couple or old acquaintances. I really can't say enough good things about this collection and encourage you to go out and download yours today. Thank you to Top Shelf Romance and to Candi Kane PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now I'm going to go buy it! I mean...It's for charity!  NOW LIVE!!!
100% of the profits from this anthology will be given to the Live A Thousand Lives charity. The I Have Lived and I Have Loved Collection is NOW AVAILABLE!! Grab this charity romance collection of 17 love stories TODAY!! AVAILABLE NOW! Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KjP554 Kobo: https://bit.ly/3qPTDRB Apple Books: https://apple.co/2W93bc7 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3a76M2Q Nook: https://bit.ly/2Kn9gip These best selling romance authors have graciously donated all new stories for this collection: Willow Winters, K.A. Linde, Skye Warren, Carrie Ann Ryan , Author Nikki Ash, Jennifer Bene, Marni Mann, Melanie Harlow & Corinne Michaels, Amelia Wilde, Livia Grant, Tia Louise, Jenna Hartley, Aleatha Romig, Dylan Allen, Nana Malone, Harloe Rae and J.D. Hollyfield! 100% of the profits from this anthology will be given to the Live A Thousand Lives charity. Live A Thousand Lives is a nonprofit dedicated to making audiobooks more accessible to individuals with low to no mobility. To that end, Live A Thousand Lives provides audio players preloaded with classic stories to individuals in hospitals, care centers and nursing facilities. For every ONE Romance Audio player purchased (loaded with 17 romance novels!), Live A Thousand Lives is able to donate TWO Classic Fiction audio players. These simple-function, easy-to-use players help open a world of books to readers with physical disabilities that prevent them from enjoying traditional books. Your love of books could help bring audiobooks to TWO book lovers with low mobility or physical handicap that keeps them from enjoying traditional books. Check out www.liveathousandlives.com to learn more about their story, mission and inspiration. Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55681996-i-have-lived-and-i-have-loved Connect with Top Shelf Romance across social media! Follow Top Shelf Romance on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topshelfromance Follow Top Shelf Romance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topshelfromance Join the Top Shelf Romance Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TopShelfRomanceReaders Subscribe to Top Shelf Romance Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2FVts5w A Rocky Start Romance Sometimes, despite being seriously attracted to someone, you let things get in the way - jealousy, preconceived notions, pride and hurt feelings - they can all stop you from getting your HEA. In Behind the Wheel, book 2 in the Hearts and Horsepower series by A.K. Evans, we get another "rocky start" romance where you don't immediately see how the two characters are going to end up together. I like the enemies to lovers trope and it's used well here, between Knox and Avery. Although it's book 2 in the series, you could probably pick it up as a standalone because most everything relevant that happened in book 1 is explained again - but I always like to read a book series in order, especially where they are interconnected and we meet the characters early on.
Knox first sees Avery at the race track - and she's one of the racers which he finds seriously hot (don't we all - a chick race car driver is badass). Before he can introduce himself, he sees that she is with Ricky, the owner of a rival shop. He assumes that they are an item and backs off. Then, when he finds out that Avery is about to start working at LT Motorsports, leaving the rival shop for theirs, Knox just assumes that she's up to no good. He's not completely off base in his suspicions - the racing world is very competitive, and LT Motorsports is at the top of their game. It would make sense for Ricky to send Avery to gather information and report back to him. The thing is, Avery isn't a spy. Knox treats her like crap basically - even though the chemistry between them is undeniable and he still wants her. He's angry at her and angry at himself for wanting her, and the first few weeks are volatile between the two of them. By the time Knox starts to realize that maybe he was mistaken about Avery, Avery wants nothing to do with him. Is it too late for Knox to mend fences and befriend her - and maybe become more? I read this book right after I finished the first one and the changeover was seamless. Knox is a bit of a - insert expletive here - but since there is dual perspective, we can see why he is acting the way he is. It's also fun to see him change his mind. The romance is a slow burn - different from book one where Logan and Kendall couldn't keep their hands off each other. But I thought the anticipation was well worth it. Avery is tough as nails but she's still a woman, and is relatable. I really liked reading their back and forth. Behind the Wheel, out today, is a great addition to the Hearts and Horsepower series and I can't wait to read the others. Thank you to the author and Give Me Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. A Great Road Trip Romance Look at this cover. Ladies, if you can scroll past this cover without buying this book...you're stronger than I am. Okay, so I was brought in by those eyes. But what kept me reading was the great story, held together by captivating characters.
This Much Is True, a standalone romance which releases today, was my first book by Tia Louise, and she did not disappoint. It takes place in a realistic 2020, right during the first main shutdown caused by COVID-19, which makes for a really interesting story in the "new normal". I have not yet read a romance published this year that actually mentions Corona - most authors choose to ignore it, or write it out of their worlds, since a lot of romances are used for escapism. I actually agree with this approach. Who wants to read about the pandemic and worry about germs in a "kissing book"? But I have to say that the way Louise incorporates it seamlessly into her world (our world) is really well done and after my initial scrunched nose reaction - I was more than okay with it. Our story begins with JR getting released early from prison because of - strangely enough - the virus. I'm not familiar if this actually happened in the US where prisoners were released to avoid overcrowding, and because catching the virus would be a violation of their civil rights. In any case, JR is released early and sets his sights on home, where his young son is, and where he wants to confront the person responsible for his prison sentence. It's a 36 hour drive and he recruits his brother Scout to go with him. JR picks up a car that he bought online. What he doesn't expect is - 6 hours into his trip - finding an accidental stowaway. Hope passed out drunk in the backseat of the car - not her finest moment. She has recently lost her business because of the pandemic and is broke and was having a well earned pity party where the only guest was an entire bottle of wine. After she is discovered, she is talked into staying with Scout and JR to help them drive on their trip. Now we have the perfect ingredients for a road trip story, made all the more interesting because of the pandemic, and because the characters are so multilayered. I love a good road trip story and I find that the romance between Hope and JR - which starts to sizzle despite JR's surliness and downright rudeness - is really well written. These characters have such intriguing pasts and the conversations had in the car (mostly between Hope and the very likeable Scout - with JR listening despite himself) are so connective. They connect the characters to each other, but they connect the reader to them as well. There is more to this book than just a romance built out of close proximity, with fun side characters thrown in. I felt so much as I went along with them for their journey, and even when they got to the end of the road, I wanted to keep reading. That to me is the mark of a good book - wanting to read past the end. So pick up this book for the cover - sure - but stay for the incredible story. Thank you to the author and Give Me Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I need more from Sandor Christmas romances are probably my favourite things to read and watch, and - with the current obsession with Hallmark holiday movies - it appears as though I'm not the only one who loves them. They're sweet, sappy, easy to get through and there are so many good ones to choose from. When I had the opportunity (thank you to the author and Give Me Books PR) to read an advanced copy of Not Your Average Vixen, in exchange for an honest review, I leapt higher than your average reindeer. I was so excited and was really hoping I wouldn't be let down. I have never read anything by Krista Sandor - but now, she's got me hooked! I loved this book - the characters, the premise, the snowy mountain scenery - it was a perfect Christmas read. Bridget Dasher is down on her luck - with pretty much everything in her life facing challenges. But her relationship with her younger sister Lori is solid and is the best part of her life. Lori is having a Christmas wedding and Bridget is determined for it to go off without a hitch. She's planned everything perfectly - the only thing she didn't plan for was Soren, the grumpy, down-on-love best man who seems determined to ruin the wedding! Well, not if Bridget has anything to say about it. Bridget will do anything to give Lori her perfect wedding, even if it means having to deal with Soren herself. There's just one little problem - Bridget just might be - a little - okay, a lot - attracted to Soren, and that may throw a wrench in both of their plans. This book was so great. It had moments of fun perfectly mixed with emotional moments. I was immediately pulled in, and couldn't wait to see what happened. Based on the premise, I thought I'd be annoyed with Soren - but I fell for him so hard. I could understand where he was coming from and why he did the things he did. And waiting to see if he would find redemption for his bad attitude was part of the fun. The romance between Bridget and Soren was anticipated with each turn of the page - they matched each other perfectly and their moments of butting heads filled me with glee - which is exactly what you would hope for from a Christmas Rom-Com. If you are looking to get yourself the perfect gift this holiday season (and with the way 2020 has gone - who isn't?) download this book. You won't regret it.  A satisfying, drama-packed sports romance Male athletes tend to be fun to read about, especially when they play for professional teams. They are often treated like gods by fans, and especially by girls. So when they finally meet their match, ie: their love interest, it makes for a good read. I was excited to pick up Sarah Stevens' newest book, Breakthrough, precisely for this reason. Breakthrough is book one in her Nashville Notes series - yes, ladies, there will be other hockey players we get to read about. In Breakthrough we meet Mandy, a young single mom and sports trainer who is looking to return to Nashville after living in Boston for several years. Mandy is looking to start fresh. She is estranged from her daughter's father and she wants to be with her grandmother, who is the only family she has left. Mandy meets Parker, the sexy (and doesn't he just know it) playboy goalie of the Nashville Notes. Parker is used to women falling for him with the littlest effort - a butt wiggle here, a sexy smirk there. When Mandy doesn't seem to be affected by him at all, suddenly she's all he can think about. And isn't that always the way? But there are a lot of obstacles in their path. Mandy has had bad luck with men, and in particular, male athletes and she's not looking to start anything with Parker. He is awfully attractive though. Then, when Mandy's ex starts causing trouble, and an unknown threat starts targeting them, Mandy and Parker need to decide if they should fight to be together or if their feelings are better left buried. This book was a good romance and it was fun to read. Although I did find it took me a bit to like Parker. He was just so overconfident and arrogant. I definitely took to Mandy right away and was really hoping that she would get her happy ending. I liked the added drama of the person threatening them - I thought it added to the plot and made what could have been a simple romance far more exciting. If you like sports romances with plenty of drama, I really think you'll like this book, which promises to be a good start to a new series. Thank you to Give Me Books PR and to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.  |